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Shiotani H, Miyata M, Kameyama T, Mandai K, Yamasaki M, Watanabe M, Mizutani K, Takai Y. Nectin‐2α is localized at cholinergic neuron dendrites and regulates synapse formation in the medial habenula. J Comp Neurol 2020; 529:450-477. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Shiotani
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
| | - Muneaki Miyata
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
| | - Takeshi Kameyama
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
| | - Kenji Mandai
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology Kitasato University Graduate School of Medical Sciences Sagamihara Japan
- Department of Biochemistry Kitasato University School of Medicine Sagamihara Japan
| | - Miwako Yamasaki
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Hokkaido University Sapporo Japan
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Hokkaido University Sapporo Japan
| | - Kiyohito Mizutani
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
| | - Yoshimi Takai
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
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2
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Roman E, Weininger J, Lim B, Roman M, Barry D, Tierney P, O'Hanlon E, Levins K, O'Keane V, Roddy D. Untangling the dorsal diencephalic conduction system: a review of structure and function of the stria medullaris, habenula and fasciculus retroflexus. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:1437-1458. [PMID: 32367265 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02069-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The often-overlooked dorsal diencephalic conduction system (DDCS) is a highly conserved pathway linking the basal forebrain and the monoaminergic brainstem. It consists of three key structures; the stria medullaris, the habenula and the fasciculus retroflexus. The first component of the DDCS, the stria medullaris, is a discrete bilateral tract composed of fibers from the basal forebrain that terminate in the triangular eminence of the stalk of the pineal gland, known as the habenula. The habenula acts as a relay hub where incoming signals from the stria medullaris are processed and subsequently relayed to the midbrain and hindbrain monoaminergic nuclei through the fasciculus retroflexus. As a result of its wide-ranging connections, the DDCS has recently been implicated in a wide range of behaviors related to reward processing, aversion and motivation. As such, an understanding of the structure and connections of the DDCS may help illuminate the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, addiction and pain. This is the first review of all three components of the DDCS, the stria medullaris, the habenula and the fasciculus retroflexus, with particular focus on their anatomy, function and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Roman
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Department of Psychiatry, Education and Research Centre , Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Joshua Weininger
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Basil Lim
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Department of Game Design, Technological University Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Marin Roman
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Denis Barry
- Anatomy Department, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Paul Tierney
- Anatomy Department, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Erik O'Hanlon
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Department of Psychiatry, Education and Research Centre , Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Kirk Levins
- Department of Anaesthetics, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Veronica O'Keane
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Darren Roddy
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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3
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Cho C, Lee S, Kim A, Yarishkin O, Ryoo K, Lee Y, Jung H, Yang E, Lee DY, Lee B, Kim H, Oh U, Im H, Hwang EM, Park J. TMEM16A expression in cholinergic neurons of the medial habenula mediates anxiety-related behaviors. EMBO Rep 2020; 21:e48097. [PMID: 31782602 PMCID: PMC7001509 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201948097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
TMEM16A, a Ca2+ -activated Cl- channel, is known to modulate the excitability of various types of cells; however, its function in central neurons is largely unknown. Here, we show the specific expression of TMEM16A in the medial habenula (mHb) via RNAscope in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and electrophysiology. When TMEM16A is ablated in the mHb cholinergic neurons (TMEM16A cKO mice), the slope of after-hyperpolarization of spontaneous action potentials decreases and the firing frequency is reduced. Reduced mHb activity also decreases the activity of the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN). Moreover, TMEM16A cKO mice display anxiogenic behaviors and deficits in social interaction without despair-like phenotypes or cognitive dysfunctions. Finally, chemogenetic inhibition of mHb cholinergic neurons using the DREADD (Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs) approach reveals similar behavioral phenotypes to those of TMEM16A cKO mice. We conclude that TMEM16A plays a key role in anxiety-related behaviors regulated by mHb cholinergic neurons and could be a potential therapeutic target against anxiety-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang‐Hoon Cho
- School of Biosystems and Biomedical SciencesCollege of Health SciencesKorea UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Sangjoon Lee
- Convergence Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Care System of DementiaKISTSeoulKorea
- Department of Pharmacology and Biomedical SciencesSeoul National University College of MedicineSeoulKorea
- Center for NeuroscienceBrain Science InstituteKorea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)SeoulKorea
| | - Ajung Kim
- Center for Functional ConnectomicsKISTSeoulKorea
- KHU‐KIST Department of Converging Science and TechnologyGraduate SchoolKyung Hee UniversitySeoulKorea
| | | | - Kanghyun Ryoo
- School of Biosystems and Biomedical SciencesCollege of Health SciencesKorea UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Young‐Sun Lee
- School of Biosystems and Biomedical SciencesCollege of Health SciencesKorea UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Hyun‐Gug Jung
- School of Biosystems and Biomedical SciencesCollege of Health SciencesKorea UniversitySeoulKorea
- Center for Functional ConnectomicsKISTSeoulKorea
| | - Esther Yang
- Department of AnatomyCollege of MedicineKorea UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Da Yong Lee
- Center for Functional ConnectomicsKISTSeoulKorea
| | - Byeongjun Lee
- Sensory Research CenterCRIBrain Science InstituteKorea Institute of Science and TechnologySeoulKorea
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of AnatomyCollege of MedicineKorea UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Uhtaek Oh
- Sensory Research CenterCRIBrain Science InstituteKorea Institute of Science and TechnologySeoulKorea
| | - Heh‐In Im
- Convergence Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Care System of DementiaKISTSeoulKorea
- Center for NeuroscienceBrain Science InstituteKorea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)SeoulKorea
- Division of Bio‐Medical Science & TechnologyKIST SchoolKorea University of Science and TechnologySeoulKorea
| | - Eun Mi Hwang
- Center for Functional ConnectomicsKISTSeoulKorea
- KHU‐KIST Department of Converging Science and TechnologyGraduate SchoolKyung Hee UniversitySeoulKorea
- Division of Bio‐Medical Science & TechnologyKIST SchoolKorea University of Science and TechnologySeoulKorea
| | - Jae‐Yong Park
- School of Biosystems and Biomedical SciencesCollege of Health SciencesKorea UniversitySeoulKorea
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4
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Congiu M, Trusel M, Pistis M, Mameli M, Lecca S. Opposite responses to aversive stimuli in lateral habenula neurons. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 50:2921-2930. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Congiu
- Department of Fundamental Neuroscience University of Lausanne Lausanne Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical Science University of Cagliari Cagliari Italy
- Section of Cagliari Neuroscience Institute National Research Council of Italy (CNR) Monserrato Italy
| | - Massimo Trusel
- Department of Fundamental Neuroscience University of Lausanne Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Marco Pistis
- Department of Biomedical Science University of Cagliari Cagliari Italy
- Section of Cagliari Neuroscience Institute National Research Council of Italy (CNR) Monserrato Italy
| | - Manuel Mameli
- Department of Fundamental Neuroscience University of Lausanne Lausanne Switzerland
- Institut national de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR‐S 839 Paris France
| | - Salvatore Lecca
- Department of Fundamental Neuroscience University of Lausanne Lausanne Switzerland
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5
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Fakhoury M. The dorsal diencephalic conduction system in reward processing: Spotlight on the anatomy and functions of the habenular complex. Behav Brain Res 2018; 348:115-126. [PMID: 29684476 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The dorsal diencephalic conduction system (DDC) is a highly conserved pathway in vertebrates that provides a route for the neural information to flow from forebrain to midbrain structures. It contains the bilaterally paired habenular nuclei along with two fiber tracts, the stria medullaris and the fasciculus retroflexus. The habenula is the principal player in mediating the dialogue between forebrain and midbrain regions, and functional abnormalities in this structure have often been attributed to pathologies like mood disorders and substance use disorder. Following Matsumoto and Hikosaka seminal work on the lateral habenula as a source of negative reward signals, the last decade has witnessed a great surge of interest in the role of the DDC in reward-related processes. However, despite significant progress in research, much work remains to unfold the behavioral functions of this intriguing, yet complex, pathway. This review describes the current state of knowledge on the DDC with respect to its anatomy, connectivity, and functions in reward and aversion processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Fakhoury
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, H3C3J7, Canada.
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6
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Shiotani H, Miyata M, Itoh Y, Wang S, Kaito A, Mizoguchi A, Yamasaki M, Watanabe M, Mandai K, Mochizuki H, Takai Y. Localization of nectin-2α at the boundary between the adjacent somata of the clustered cholinergic neurons and its regulatory role in the subcellular localization of the voltage-gated A-type K+channel Kv4.2 in the medial habenula. J Comp Neurol 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Shiotani
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine; Kobe Hyogo 650-0047 Japan
- Department of Neurology; Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine; Suita Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Muneaki Miyata
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine; Kobe Hyogo 650-0047 Japan
| | - Yu Itoh
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine; Kobe Hyogo 650-0047 Japan
| | - Shujie Wang
- Department of Neural Regeneration and Cell Communication; Mie University Graduate School of Medicine; Tsu Mie 514-8507 Japan
| | - Aika Kaito
- Department of Neural Regeneration and Cell Communication; Mie University Graduate School of Medicine; Tsu Mie 514-8507 Japan
| | - Akira Mizoguchi
- Department of Neural Regeneration and Cell Communication; Mie University Graduate School of Medicine; Tsu Mie 514-8507 Japan
| | - Miwako Yamasaki
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine; Hokkaido University; Sapporo Hokkaido 060-8638 Japan
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine; Hokkaido University; Sapporo Hokkaido 060-8638 Japan
| | - Kenji Mandai
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine; Kobe Hyogo 650-0047 Japan
| | - Hideki Mochizuki
- Department of Neurology; Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine; Suita Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Yoshimi Takai
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine; Kobe Hyogo 650-0047 Japan
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7
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Flanigan M, Aleyasin H, Takahashi A, Golden SA, Russo SJ. An emerging role for the lateral habenula in aggressive behavior. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 162:79-86. [PMID: 28499809 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Inter-male aggression is an essential component of social behavior in organisms from insects to humans. However, when expressed inappropriately, aggression poses significant threats to the mental and physical health of both the aggressor and the target. Inappropriate aggression is a common feature of numerous neuropsychiatric disorders in humans and has been hypothesized to result from the atypical activation of reward circuitry in response to social targets. The lateral habenula (LHb) has recently been identified as a major node of the classical reward circuitry and inhibits the release of dopamine from the midbrain to signal negative valence. Here, we discuss the evidence linking LHb function to aggression and its valence, arguing that strong LHb outputs to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) are likely to play roles in aggression and its rewarding components. Future studies should aim to elucidate how various inputs and outputs of the LHb shape motivation and reward in the context of aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Flanigan
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hossein Aleyasin
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aki Takahashi
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Sam A Golden
- National Institute of Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Scott J Russo
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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8
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Optogenetic activation of septal GABAergic afferents entrains neuronal firing in the medial habenula. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34800. [PMID: 27703268 PMCID: PMC5050514 DOI: 10.1038/srep34800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The medial habenula (MHb) plays an important role in nicotine-related behaviors such as nicotine aversion and withdrawal. The MHb receives GABAergic input from the medial septum/diagonal band of Broca (MS/DB), yet the synaptic mechanism that regulates MHb activity is unclear. GABA (γ -aminobutyric acid) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter activating both GABAA receptors and GABAB receptors. Depending on intracellular chloride concentration, however, GABAA receptors also function in an excitatory manner. In the absence of various synaptic inputs, we found that MHb neurons displayed spontaneous tonic firing at a rate of about ~4.4 Hz. Optogenetic stimulation of MS/DB inputs to the MHb evoked GABAA receptor-mediated synaptic currents, which produced stimulus-locked neuronal firing. Subsequent delayed yet lasting activation of GABAB receptors attenuated the intrinsic tonic firing. Consequently, septal GABAergic input alone orchestrates both excitatory GABAA and inhibitory GABAB receptors, thereby entraining the firing of MHb neurons.
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9
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Microarray analysis of transcripts with elevated expressions in the rat medial or lateral habenula suggest fast GABAergic excitation in the medial habenula and habenular involvement in the regulation of feeding and energy balance. Brain Struct Funct 2016; 221:4663-4689. [DOI: 10.1007/s00429-016-1195-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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10
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Lecca S, Meye FJ, Mameli M. The lateral habenula in addiction and depression: an anatomical, synaptic and behavioral overview. Eur J Neurosci 2014; 39:1170-8. [PMID: 24712996 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Revised: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The lateral habenula (LHb) is an epithalamic region with a crucial role in the regulation of midbrain monoaminergic systems. Over the past few years a renewed interest in the LHb has emerged due to studies highlighting its central role in encoding rewarding and aversive aspects of stimuli. Moreover, an increasing number of functional as well as behavioral indications provide substantial evidence supporting a role of LHb in neuropsychiatric diseases, including mood disorders and drug addiction. Cellular and synaptic adaptations in the LHb may therefore represent a critical phenomenon in the etiology of these diseases. In the current review we describe the anatomical and functional connections allowing the LHb to control the dopamine and serotonin systems, as well as possible roles of these connections in motivated behaviors and neuropsychiatric disorders. Finally, we discuss how drug exposure and stressful conditions alter the cellular physiology of the LHb, highlighting a role for the LHb in the context of drug addiction and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Lecca
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, 75005, Paris, France; Inserm, UMR-S 839, 75005, Paris, France; Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005, Paris, France
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11
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Tomaiuolo M, Gonzalez C, Medina JH, Piriz J. Lateral Habenula determines long-term storage of aversive memories. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:170. [PMID: 24860453 PMCID: PMC4026688 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Lateral Habenula (LHb) is a small brain structure that codifies negative motivational value and has been related to major depression. It has been shown recently that LHb activation is sufficient to induce aversive associative learning; however the key question about whether LHb activation is required for an aversive memory to be formed has not been addressed. In this article we studied the function of the LHb in memory formation using the Inhibitory Avoidance task (IA). We found that LHb inactivation during IA training does not disrupt memory when assessed 24 h after, but abolishes it 7 days later, indicating that LHb activity during memory acquisition is not necessary for memory formation, but regulates its temporal stability. These effects suggest that LHb inactivation modifies subjective perception of the training experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micol Tomaiuolo
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Gonzalez
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jorge H Medina
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires, Argentina ; Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Joaquin Piriz
- Grupo de Neurociencia de Sistemas, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Houssay (CONICET-UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires, Argentina ; Instituto de Fisiología Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires, Argentina
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12
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Viswanath H, Carter AQ, Baldwin PR, Molfese DL, Salas R. The medial habenula: still neglected. Front Hum Neurosci 2014; 7:931. [PMID: 24478666 PMCID: PMC3894476 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The habenula is a small, bilateral brain structure located at the dorsal end of the diencephalon. This structure sends projections to the dopaminergic striatum and receives inputs from the limbic forebrain, making the habenula a unique modulator of cross-talk between these brain regions. Despite strong interest in the habenula during the seventies and eighties (Herkenham and Nauta, 1977; Beckstead, 1979; Beckstead et al., 1979; Herkenham and Nauta, 1979; Caldecott-Hazard et al., 1988), interest waned due to lack of a clearly identifiable functional role. Following Matsumoto and Hikosaka's seminal work on the lateral habenula as a predictor of negative reward in monkeys, the habenula has undergone a resurgence of scientific interest. Matsumoto and Hikosaka demonstrated an increase in habenular neuron firing when monkeys did not receive an expected juice reward (Matsumoto and Hikosaka, 2007). Studies have shown that increased habenular activity inactivates dopaminergic cells in the Rostromedial Tegmental Nucleus (RMTg) through GABAergic mechanisms (Jhou et al., 2009a,b). Additional studies link habenular activity to the regulation of serotonin and norepinephrine, suggesting the habenula modulates multiple brain systems (Strecker and Rosengren, 1989; Amat et al., 2001). These discoveries ushered in a series of new studies that have refocused attention on the lateral habenula and the importance of this small brain structure (Bianco and Wilson, 2009; Jhou et al., 2009a; Matsumoto and Hikosaka, 2009; Sartorius et al., 2010; Savitz et al., 2011). Recently, Geisler and Trimble reviewed this renewed interest in: The Lateral Habenula: No Longer Neglected (Geisler and Trimble, 2008). While the lateral habenula (LHb) has been extensively studied, the anatomically and histochemically distinct medial habenula (MHb) remains largely understudied. This short review argues that the MHb is functionally important and should be studied more aggressively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ramiro Salas
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of MedicineHouston, TX, USA
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Meye FJ, Lecca S, Valentinova K, Mameli M. Synaptic and cellular profile of neurons in the lateral habenula. Front Hum Neurosci 2013; 7:860. [PMID: 24379770 PMCID: PMC3863943 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The lateral habenula (LHb) is emerging as a crucial structure capable of conveying rewarding and aversive information. Recent evidence indicates that a rapid increase in the activity of LHb neurons drives negative states and avoidance. Furthermore, the hyperexcitability of neurons in the LHb, especially those projecting to the midbrain, may represent an important cellular correlate for neuropsychiatric disorders like depression and drug addiction. Despite the recent insights regarding the implications of the LHb in the context of reward and aversion, the exact nature of the synaptic and cellular players regulating LHb neuronal functions remains largely unknown. Here we focus on the synaptic and cellular physiology of LHb neurons. First, we discuss the properties of excitatory transmission and the implications of glutamate receptors for long-term synaptic plasticity; second, we review the features of GABAergic transmission onto LHb neurons; and finally, we describe the contribution that neuromodulators such as dopamine (DA) and serotonin may have for LHb neuronal physiology. We relate these findings to the role that the LHb can play in processing aversive and rewarding stimuli, both in health and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank J Meye
- Institut du Fer à Moulin Paris, France ; INSERM, UMR-S 839 Paris, France ; Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris, France
| | - Salvatore Lecca
- Institut du Fer à Moulin Paris, France ; INSERM, UMR-S 839 Paris, France ; Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris, France
| | - Kristina Valentinova
- Institut du Fer à Moulin Paris, France ; INSERM, UMR-S 839 Paris, France ; Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris, France
| | - Manuel Mameli
- Institut du Fer à Moulin Paris, France ; INSERM, UMR-S 839 Paris, France ; Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris, France
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14
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Interactions between the lateral habenula and the hippocampus: implication for spatial memory processes. Neuropsychopharmacology 2013; 38:2418-26. [PMID: 23736315 PMCID: PMC3799061 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2013.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Revised: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The lateral habenula (LHb) is an epithalamic structure connected with both the basal ganglia and the limbic system and that exerts a major influence on midbrain monoaminergic nuclei. The current view is that LHb receives and processes cortical information in order to select proper strategies in a variety of behavior. Recent evidence indicates that LHb might also be implicated in hippocampus-dependent memory processes. However, if and how LHb functionally interacts with the dorsal hippocampus (dHPC) is still unknown. We therefore performed simultaneous recordings within LHb and dHPC in both anesthetized and freely moving rats. We first showed that a subset of LHb cells were phase-locked to hippocampal theta oscillations. Furthermore, LHb generated spontaneous theta oscillatory activity, which was highly coherent with hippocampal theta oscillations. Using reversible LHb inactivation, we found that LHb might regulate dHPC theta oscillations. In addition, we showed that LHb silencing altered performance in a hippocampus-dependent spatial recognition task. Finally, increased coherence between LHb and dHPC was positively correlated to the memory performance in this test. Collectively, these results suggest that LHb functionally interacts with the hippocampus and is involved in hippocampus-dependent spatial information processing.
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15
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Balcita-Pedicino JJ, Omelchenko N, Bell R, Sesack SR. The inhibitory influence of the lateral habenula on midbrain dopamine cells: ultrastructural evidence for indirect mediation via the rostromedial mesopontine tegmental nucleus. J Comp Neurol 2011; 519:1143-64. [PMID: 21344406 PMCID: PMC4054696 DOI: 10.1002/cne.22561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The lateral habenula (LHb) provides an important source of negative reinforcement signals to midbrain dopamine (DA) cells in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area (VTA). This profound and consistent inhibitory influence involves a disynaptic connection from glutamate neurons in the LHb to some population of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) cells that, in turn, innervates DA neurons. Previous studies demonstrated that the GABA cells intrinsic to the VTA receive insufficient synaptic input from the LHb to serve as the primary source of this intermediate connection. In this investigation, we sought ultrastructural evidence supporting the hypothesis that a newly identified region of the brainstem, the rostromedial mesopontine tegmental nucleus (RMTg), is a more likely candidate for inhibiting midbrain DA cells in response to LHb activation. Electron microscopic examination of rat brain sections containing dual immunoreactivity for an anterograde tracing agent and a phenotypic marker revealed that: 1) more than 55% of the synapses formed by LHb axons in the RMTg were onto GABA-labeled dendrites; 2) more than 80% of the synapses formed by RMTg axons in the VTA contacted dendrites immunoreactive for the DA synthetic enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase; and 3) nearly all RMTg axons formed symmetric synapses and contained postembedding immunoreactivity for GABA. These findings indicate that the newly identified RMTg region is an intermediate structure in a disynaptic pathway that connects the LHb to VTA DA neurons. The results have important implications for understanding mental disorders characterized by a dysregulation of reward circuitry involving LHb and DA cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalia Omelchenko
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
| | - Roland Bell
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
| | - Susan R. Sesack
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
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Localization of pre- and postsynaptic cholinergic markers in rodent forebrain: a brief history and comparison of rat and mouse. Behav Brain Res 2010; 221:356-66. [PMID: 21129407 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2010.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2010] [Accepted: 11/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Rat and mouse models are widely used for studies in cognition and pathophysiology, among others. Here, we sought to determine to what extent these two model species differ for cholinergic and cholinoceptive features. For this purpose, we focused on cholinergic innervation patterns based on choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunostaining, and the expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) detected immunocytochemically. In this brief review we first place cholinergic and cholinoceptive markers in a historic perspective, and then provide an overview of recent publications on cholinergic studies and techniques to provide a literature survey of current research. Next, we compare mouse (C57Bl/J6) and rat (Wistar) cholinergic and cholinoceptive systems simultaneously stained, respectively, for ChAT (analyzed qualitatively) and mAChRs (analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively). In general, the topographic cholinergic innervation patterns of both rodent species are highly comparable, with only considerable (but region specific) differences in number of detectable cholinergic interneurons, which are more numerous in rat. In contrast, immunolabeling for mAChRs, detected by the monoclonal antibody M35, differs markedly in the forebrain between the two species. In mouse brain, basal levels of activated and/or internalized mAChRs (as a consequence of cholinergic neurotransmission) are significantly higher. This suggests a higher cholinergic tone in mouse than rat, and hence the animal model of choice may have consequences for cholinergic drug testing experiments.
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Irani BG, Donato J, Olson DP, Lowell BB, Sacktor TC, Reyland ME, Tolson KP, Zinn AR, Ueta Y, Sakata I, Zigman JM, Elias CF, Clegg DJ. Distribution and neurochemical characterization of protein kinase C-theta and -delta in the rodent hypothalamus. Neuroscience 2010; 170:1065-79. [PMID: 20691763 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.07.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2010] [Revised: 07/29/2010] [Accepted: 07/31/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PKC-theta (PKC-θ), a member of the novel protein kinase C family (nPKC), regulates a wide variety of functions in the periphery. However, its presence and role in the CNS has remained largely unknown. Recently, we demonstrated the presence of PKC-θ in the arcuate hypothalamic nucleus (ARC) and knockdown of PKC-θ from the ARC protected mice from developing diet-induced obesity. Another isoform of the nPKC group, PKC-delta (PKC-δ), is expressed in several non-hypothalamic brain sites including the thalamus and hippocampus. Although PKC-δ has been implicated in regulating hypothalamic glucose homeostasis, its distribution in the hypothalamus has not previously been described. In the current study, we used immunohistochemistry to examine the distribution of PKC-θ and -δ immunoreactivity in rat and mouse hypothalamus. We found PKC-θ immunoreactive neurons in several hypothalamic nuclei including the ARC, lateral hypothalamic area, perifornical area and tuberomammillary nucleus. PKC-δ immunoreactive neurons were found in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. Double-label immunohistochemisty in mice expressing green fluorescent protein either with the long form of leptin receptor (LepR-b) or in orexin (ORX) neurons indicated that PKC-θ is highly colocalized in lateral hypothalamic ORX neurons but not in lateral hypothalamic LepR-b neurons. Double-label immunohistochemistry in oxytocin-enhanced yellow fluorescent protein mice or arginine vasopressin-enhanced green fluorescent protein (AVP-EGFP) transgenic rats revealed a high degree of colocalization of PKC-δ within paraventricular and supraoptic oxytocin neurons but not the vasopressinergic neurons. We conclude that PKC-θ and -δ are expressed in different hypothalamic neuronal populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- B G Irani
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-8854, USA
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Omelchenko N, Bell R, Sesack SR. Lateral habenula projections to dopamine and GABA neurons in the rat ventral tegmental area. Eur J Neurosci 2009; 30:1239-50. [PMID: 19788571 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2009.06924.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons and their forebrain projections are critically involved in reward processing and cognitive functions. Descending projections from the lateral habenula (LHb) play a central role in inhibiting DA cell activity in response to the absence of expected rewards. As LHb efferents are reportedly glutamatergic, their ability to inhibit DA cells would theoretically require a disynaptic connection involving VTA GABA neurons and their local collateral inputs to DA cells. We therefore used anterograde tract-tracing from the LHb to investigate the relative selectivity of LHb synapses onto GABA versus DA VTA neurons. LHb axons were visualized using immunoperoxidase, and DA and GABA cells were marked by immunogold-silver labeling for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or GABA, respectively. By ultrastructural analysis, 16% of LHb axons were observed to form synaptic contacts in the VTA, and most of these were of an intermediate morphological type that did not exhibit definitive asymmetric or symmetric character. LHb axons synaptically targeted TH- and GABA-labeled dendrites to a comparable extent (45 and 52% observed incidence, respectively). Pre-embedding immunogold labeling for the vesicular glutamate transporter type 2 and post-embedding immunogold staining for GABA confirmed that approximately 85% of LHb terminals were glutamatergic and not GABAergic. These results suggest that the robust inhibition of DA cells evoked by the LHb is unlikely to arise from a selective innervation of VTA GABA neurons. Moreover, the LHb may mediate a direct excitation of DA cells that is over-ridden by indirect inhibition originating from an extrinsic source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Omelchenko
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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Qin C, Luo M. Neurochemical phenotypes of the afferent and efferent projections of the mouse medial habenula. Neuroscience 2009; 161:827-37. [PMID: 19362132 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.03.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2009] [Revised: 03/27/2009] [Accepted: 03/28/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The medial habenula (MHb) is a key bridge between limbic forebrain and midbrain monoaminergic centers. Although its exact behavioral function remains enigmatic, it is implicated in regulating many behaviors such as stress responses and circadian rhythm. Fundamental information such as the neurotransmitters in the afferent and efferent projections of the MHb remains unclear. By combining retrograde tract tracing and genetic labeling of GABAergic neurons in mice, we find that the medial septum (MS) and nucleus of diagonal band (NDB) provide GABA-ergic input to the MHb. By anterograde tracing and immunostaining against a marker of glutamatergic synapses, we find that the projection from the triangular septal nucleus (TS) to the MHb has the capacity to release glutamate. This suggests that in addition to ATP, glutamate is another neurotransmitter for the TS-->MHb projection. Finally, by combining anterograde tracing and immunostaining, we find that the MHb neurons projecting to the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) have the capacity to release glutamate. This suggests that, in addition to acetylcholine and substance P, glutamate is another neurotransmitter used by MHb projection neurons. Our findings reveal the organization of two key neurotransmitters for the MHb afferent and efferent projections, and lay framework for future functional studies of this pathway in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Qin
- Graduate Program in Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
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Hou RH, Samuels ER, Langley RW, Szabadi E, Bradshaw CM. Arousal and the pupil: why diazepam-induced sedation is not accompanied by miosis. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2007; 195:41-59. [PMID: 17659380 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-007-0884-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2007] [Accepted: 06/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE There is a close relationship between arousal and pupil diameter, decrease in the level of arousal being accompanied by constriction of the pupil (miosis), probably reflecting the attenuation of sympathetic outflow as sedation sets in. Paradoxically, sedation induced by benzodiazepines is not accompanied by miosis. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to examine the hypothesis that diazepam may attenuate both the sympathetic and the opposing parasympathetic outflow to the iris, which may mask the miosis. Dapiprazole (sympatholytic) and tropicamide (parasympatholytic) were applied topically, together with the cold pressor test (CPT), to manipulate the sympathetic/parasympathetic balance. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixteen healthy male volunteers participated in four weekly sessions according to a balanced double-blind protocol. Diazepam 10 mg (two sessions) and placebo (two sessions), associated with either 0.01% tropicamide or 0.5% dapiprazole eyedrops, were administered orally. Pupil diameter, light and darkness reflexes and pupillary sleepiness waves were recorded with infrared video pupillometry, alertness was measured by critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF) and visual analogue scales (VAS), blood pressure and heart rate by conventional methods. CPT was applied after post-treatment testing. Data were analysed by analysis of variance, with multiple comparisons. RESULTS Diazepam caused sedation (reduction in VAS alertness scores and CFFF, increase in sleepiness waves), dapiprazole had a sympatholytic and tropicamide a parasympatholytic effect on the pupil. Diazepam had no effect on pupil diameter and reflexes or their modifications by the antagonists. CPT increased pupil diameter, blood pressure and heart rate, and the increase only in systolic blood pressure was attenuated by diazepam. CONCLUSIONS Diazepam-induced sedation is not accompanied by any change in either the sympathetic or parasympathetic influence on the iris.
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Affiliation(s)
- R H Hou
- Psychopharmacology Section, Division of Psychiatry, University of Nottingham, Medical School Room B109, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
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Lecourtier L, Kelly PH. A conductor hidden in the orchestra? Role of the habenular complex in monoamine transmission and cognition. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2007; 31:658-72. [PMID: 17379307 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2007.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2006] [Revised: 01/09/2007] [Accepted: 01/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Influences of the habenular complex on electrophysiological and neurochemical aspects of brain functioning are well known. However, its role in cognition has been sparsely investigated until recently. The habenular complex, composed of medial and lateral subdivisions, is a node linking the forebrain with midbrain and hindbrain structures. The lateral habenula is the principal actor in this direct dialogue, while the medial habenula mostly conveys information to the interpeduncular nucleus before this modulates further regions. Here we describe neuroanatomical and physiological aspects of the habenular complex, and its role in cognitive processes, including new behavioral, electrophysiological and imaging findings. Habenular complex lesions result in deficits in learning, memory and attention, some of which decline during repeated testing, while others become worse, consistent with multiple roles in cognition. The habenular complex is particularly responsive to feedback about errors. Electrophysiological studies indicate a role in metaplasticity, the modulation of neuroplasticity. These studies thus reveal important roles of the habenular complex in learning, memory and attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Lecourtier
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, 446 Crawford Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
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